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3rd Sunday of Advent A (Gaudete Sunday)3rd Sunday of Advent A (Gaudete Sunday)December 12, 2010December 12, 2010

In preparation for this Sunday’s LiturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s LiturgyIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharingIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10 reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10• 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe

will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, 4 Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. With divine recompense he comes to save you. 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. 10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

11stst reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10 reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10• 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe

will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, 4 Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. With divine recompense he comes to save you. 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. 10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

The focus is on the coming of the Lord and the rejoicing.

11stst reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10 reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10

The Land• 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and

bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

The weak, the frightened / God’s coming• 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are

weak, 4 Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. With divine recompense he comes to save you.

The blind, the deaf, the lame, the dumb• 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be

cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing.

Water in the desert• Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. Happiness• 10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion

singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

A simple outline!

11stst reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10 reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10The Land• 1 The desert and the parched

land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

The weak, the frightened• 3 Strengthen the hands that are

feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, 4 Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. With divine recompense he comes to save you.

Commentary• The prophet Isaiah

prophesies the changes that will occur when the Messiah comes.

• Let us take note of the joyful feelings mentioned:– Exult– Rejoice and bloom, v.1– Rejoice with joyful song– Glory, splendor, v.2

• Vv.3-4 speak of strengthening and taking courage.

• The reason: God comes with vindication, reward and salvation.

The blind, the deaf, the lame, the dumb

• 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing.

Water in the desert• Streams will burst forth in

the desert, and rivers in the steppe.

Happiness• 10 Those whom the LORD

has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

• Vv.5-6 speaks of healing the privations (deprivations) and the handicapped.

• V.6b goes back to the theme in v.1 about the land. But this time, there will be water where there was none.

• V.10 picks up the joyful mood of the first verses:– Singing, with joy and

gladness– No more mourning

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading• The reading portrays the joyful effect of the

coming of the Lord.• It is not only humans who benefit from the

coming of the Lord, but also the land.• The coming of the Lord brings rejoicing, healing,

strengthening, returning to the Temple, and glorifying God.

• It eliminates sorrow and mourning.• The attentive and believing reader must know

how to react to this prophesy.• For the incredulous, nothing will happen. It will

all be the same.– All these prophesies are meaningless.

• For the hopeful, all these things will happen.– They will joyfully look forward to these events

throughout their lives.– They will pray and hope that these will soon happen

to them.– Even if they are sick, deprived and poor, they will now

rejoice.• They are listening to the voice of the prophet (the

voice of God).

• Do you know how to hope?• Are you happy with your life in the midst of

deprivations?• Does the reading mean anything to you?

Resp. Ps. Resp. Ps. 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

• R. (cf. Is 35:4) Lord, come and save us.

• 6 The LORD God keeps faith forever,secures justice for the oppressed,7 gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.

• 8 The LORD gives sight to the blind;the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.9 The LORD loves the just;the LORD protects strangers.

• 9 The fatherless and the widow he sustains,but the way of the wicked he thwarts.10 The LORD shall reign forever;your God, O Zion, through all generations.

Resp. Ps. Resp. Ps. 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10• R. (cf. Is 35:4) Lord, come and

save us.

• 6 The LORD God keeps faith forever,secures justice for the oppressed,7 gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.

• 8 The LORD gives sight to the blind;the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.9 The LORD loves the just;the LORD protects strangers.

• 9 The fatherless and the widow he sustains,but the way of the wicked he thwarts.10 The LORD shall reign forever;your God, O Zion, through all generations.

Commentary• In the psalm, God clearly favors

the poor.• In vv.6-7, God secures justice,

food and freedom for them.• In v.8, God restores their sight

and dignity.• In v.9, God loves and protects

the innocent.• In v.9b, God sustains the

orphans and widows, those who cannot earn a living.

• He fouls up the plan of the wicked.

• V.10 acclaims God as king for ever.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm

• God loves the poor, the oppressed and the vulnerable.

• God pays attention to the poor majority.• God is the number one activist and advocate for the

PDOE (poor, deprived, oppressed and exploited).• God is not on our side, if we are oppressive and

unjust.

22ndnd reading: James 5,7-10 reading: James 5,7-10

• 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

22ndnd reading: James 5,7-10 reading: James 5,7-10• 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the

coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

The focus is on patience.

22ndnd reading: James 5,7-10 reading: James 5,7-10

Be patient like the farmer• 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the

Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient.

Be firm• Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is

at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.

Be patient like the prophets• 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience,

brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

A simple outline!

22ndnd reading: James 5,7-10 reading: James 5,7-10Be patient like the farmer• 7 Be patient, therefore,

brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient.

Be firm• Make your hearts firm,

because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.

Be patient like the prophets• 10 Take as an example of

hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Commentary• What is to be patient?• The reading solicits our patience in the

context of the coming of the Lord.• We must follow the example of the farmer.

Vv.7-8• Patience is the ability to wait.• It rules out undue expectations of fast

results.• Patience is firmness of heart and keeps the

integrity of the community. V.8b• Impatience destroys the community. It

manifests itself in complaining (bickering, asking questions from those who don’t know the answer).

• Judgment is the punishment for the impatient (the reklamador) V.9

• We must also follow the example of the prophets, who boldly speak in the name of the Lord, but wonder when their prophesies will actually happen.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading

• Like the farmers and the prophets, we must be patient as we wait for the Lord (for help).

• It pays to be patient, because it does not further disturb the community or the individuals.

• Knowing that the Lord is coming (resolution of

our tensions and problems), we cannot but be patient. There is no other way.

• Even in urgent matters, we are asked to exercise this virtue of patience.

Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11• 2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah,

he sent his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11• 2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent

his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

The focus is on the works of Messiah.

Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11The Question of John about Jesus• 2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his

disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"

The Answer about Jesus• 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5

the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

The Question of Jesus about John• 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,

"What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

The answer about John• 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more

than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

A simple outline!

Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11The Question of John about Jesus• 2 When John heard in prison of the works of

the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"

The Answer about Jesus• 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John

what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

The Question of Jesus about John• 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to

speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

The answer about John• 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?

Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Commentary• The reading is about the

works of the Messiah.• John the Baptist sends his

disciples to Jesus to ask about him:– Is he the Messiah or is he not?

Vv.2-3• In v.4, Jesus indirectly

answers. He enumerates his works, which they hear and see,v.5:– Blind, see– Lame, walk– Lepers, cleansed– Deaf, hear– Poor, good news proclaimed

to them• Yes, he is the Messiah.

Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11The Question of John about Jesus• 2 When John heard in prison of the works of

the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"

The Answer about Jesus• 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John

what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

The Question of Jesus about John• 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to

speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

The answer about John• 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?

Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

• V.6 “to take no offense” is the same as not to be scandalized. Blessed is the one who is not offended by me, by what I do, by what I am, by what I say, by what I think.”

• Now is the turn of Jesus to shoot questions to the crowds: v.7

• What did they expect to see in the desert?

• Not reed, not someone in fine clothing v.8

• But a prophet, more than a prophet, the messenger to prepare the path, greatest among those born of women.vv.9-11

• Greater than he is the least in the kingdom. V.11

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading

• We must know how to interpret the “signs of the times.”

• The “signs of the times” point to God’s presence.• They also indicate that change is urgently

needed.• Christians should learn that

– if there is healing, God is there.– If the good news is proclaimed, God is there.– if people listen to the Word of God, God is there.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm

• The first reading talks about the joy at the coming of the Lord.

• The psalm celebrates God’s liberating presence (it brings joy).

• The second reading talks about patience.• The gospel reading talks about the activities of

the Messiah (that brings joy).

How to develop your homily / sharingHow to develop your homily / sharing

• The sharer or preacher must develop the theme of joy in this Sunday’s liturgy.

• Third Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, which means Rejoice.

• It is clear from the readings why we should rejoice.

• All the readings tell us of the coming of the Lord, the Messiah.

• In different ways, the readings state the reasons why.

• The first reading exhorts us, readers, to rejoice because the Lord who is coming will bring changes to our lives.

• All things, all peoples, will see the glory and splendor of the Lord.

• This means, God will be revealed totally to all of us.

• God’s revelation is his personal communication to us.

• Besides, God will vindicate and save us.• It will be the end of oppression.• The Lord is coming to us to fight our fights and

to restore justice to us.

• The second reading teaches patience until the coming of the Lord.

• Salvation, redemption, destruction of evil is always an urgent matter.

• But, if there is delay, what must a Christian do?• The Christian must be patient. He / she has no

other way but to be patient.• God takes his time fulfilling his promises. That’s

why, Christians must be patient always.• If you have no patience, you cannot have joy,

you cannot be God’s missionary.

• In the gospel reading, Jesus is happy to report to John’s disciples that what has been prophesied in Isaiah is now being fulfilled.– The lame walk, the dumb hear, the blind see, etc. These people

must be happy now, even their friends and relatives.

• These are all signs of the coming of God’s kingdom.• The Lord is, indeed, come and his ministry has effected

positive results. • John the Baptist, who is now in prison, must be happy

too. He is rejoicing at what is now happening around.• He and his disciples will not look for another one.• He is it. He is the Messiah. Jesus, identified as Messiah,

vindicates the efforts of John the Baptist.

• Are you a happy person?• Do you have joy within you?• If you don’t know how to be happy, you have a

big problem.– You are emotionally handicapped.– You are sick.– Your eyes are clouded. You can’t see many good

things happening around you.– Go to a counselor.

• It is God’s will that we enjoy life.• Learn how to be happy. It is a matter of attitude

and faith.• Don’t waste your life living in misery and making

others miserable.

• The eucharist is a sacrament of joy.• The eucharist should be enough to

console us of our afflictions.• In the eucharist, as we die with him, we

also rise with him. He invites us to share in his glory.

Context of Sin and GraceContext of Sin and Grace• False teachings about

happiness (through money, drugs, gambling, illicit sex, etc.)

• Resistance to change, to something new

• Not consoled by the word of God because of disbelief.

• Hopelessness, desperation, KJ• Impatience• Abandoned patients, no

medicine• Dying without dignity• Environmental degradation• No closure of conflicts • No resolution of tensions

• Healing• Ability to respond God’s call with

joy• Ability to rejoice, to be happy• Ability to give joy• Humour• Generosity • Celebrates with the community,

with the Church• Smiles

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

• O Come Emmanuel• The King of Glory